Sonam Wangchuk’s Health Declines on Day 8 of Hunger Strike: Activist Loses 6kg Amid Growing Solidarity

As the climate activist and educator Sonam Wangchuk marks the eighth day of his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, grave concerns are mounting over his physical condition. The protest, which has become a focal point for national discourse regarding systemic accountability, has seen Wangchuk lose approximately 6 kilograms of body weight, with his latest medical evaluation placing him at 60.95 kilograms. Despite the significant weight loss, the latest health bulletin confirms that his hydration levels remain satisfactory and his mental state remains clear and alert. Medical monitoring indicates his vital signs are currently holding, with a blood pressure of 112/70 mmHg, a heart rate of 72 beats per minute, and a blood sugar level of 67 mg/dL.

Escalating Crisis: Hospitalizations at Jantar Mantar

The protest site has become a scene of increasing urgency as the health of other demonstrators also deteriorates. On Saturday, JNU Students Union Joint Secretary Danish Ali was rushed to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital after his blood sugar levels plummeted to a critical 46 mg/dL on the seventh day of his fast. The All India Students Association (AISA) has confirmed that while Ali is receiving medical attention, five other activists—Neha, Manish, Rishikesh, Deepak, and Amin—remain committed to the indefinite hunger strike alongside Wangchuk, underscoring the intensity of the ongoing standoff.

Political Pressure Mounts: SKM Delegation and Calls for Accountability

The protest is garnering widespread support as the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) announced that it will send a high-level delegation to Jantar Mantar on July 7th to express solidarity. The farmers' collective has demanded a transparent and reliable examination system, emphasizing that accountability must be fixed for systemic failures. Concurrently, CJP founder Abhijit Dipke has intensified criticism of the government, issuing an open letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The letter demands the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, citing concerns over alleged paper leaks and student grievances. Dipke has publicly warned that the administration will be held directly responsible for any further decline in Wangchuk's health, questioning why the government has remained silent despite 15 days of sustained agitation.